Near Remote Method to Guide Performance of Regional Anesthesia

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Real time 'near remote' guidance of regional blocks: Trainees who are to perform regional blocks will do so under expert guidance via tele-mentoring. This will be done using a novel technology consisting of a wirelessly linked iPad which will display the ultrasound image to the block operator/trainee. This image will be concurrently visualized by an expert mentor through their smartphone, who will then provide feedback/guidance in real-time to the operator/trainee.

Study summary

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia/analgesia techniques (or simply, 'regional blocks') have gained popularity as they can reduce, and sometimes even eliminate, the need for opiate analgesics (and, consequently, their side effects), thereby improving patient safety, reducing length of hospital stay and medical costs, and improving patient satisfaction. However, a major barrier to mainstream uptake of such techniques relates to training. These techniques require the acquisition of new skills under expert guidance, which is often not possible given the daily demands placed upon anesthesiologists. As a result, many opportunities for providing regional blocks may be missed.

The purpose of this study is to implement a new real-time 'near remote' guidance method in which trainees who are to perform regional blocks can do so via tele-mentoring under expert guidance. This will be done using a novel technology whereby the ultrasound image is concurrently displayed on an iPad screen (for the block operator/trainee) as well as on the (near remotely supervising) expert mentor's smartphone. Trainees and mentors will use this method to perform various standard of care regional blocks, either in the perioperative or emergency department settings. Participants' opinions of the novel teaching and learning method will be assessed.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Participant opinion — Immediately following block performance
  The investigators will assess the opinions of mentors and trainees regarding the use of 'near-remote' guidance for the performance of ultrasound-guided regional blocks.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition